A BOY has been left devastated by arsonists who killed his two guinea pigs.

The vandals struck at about 1.30am yesterday, at the Victoria Close allotments, New Marske, east Cleveland, causing about £3,000 damage.

They set fire to three allotment buildings belonging to Paul Comasky, of Dale Street. One of the sheds was home to his four-year-old son Ryan's pets.

The vandals then opened a pigeon loft and three birds, worth £1,000, escaped. A chicken coop was also opened and the chickens were taken to an estate nearby.

Most were rounded up later in the morning, but some are still missing.

Allotment secretary Rob Lawton said: "Ryan was crying his heart out when he found out. It's disgusting what these vandals have done.

"There have been attacks on the allotments before, but none as serious as a fire."

Mr Lawton believes the vandals had been steered away from troublemaking on nearby housing estates, and then turned to the allotments. Earlier last week, he expressed concerns to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council about the youths.

He said: "The police move them away from the estates, so they come down to us."

Plans are already under way to repair the damage done to Mr Comasky's plot, which he has had for ten years.

Mr Lawton said: "We are going to all work together to make it right again. One thing is sure - we won't let them beat us."

The police are investigating and would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or knows anything about the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 302626